Phrasal verbs

( idiomatic )  Well  suited ;  appropriate ;  fit  for a particular activity or purpose Most commonly found in negative constructions, such as "not cut out for ...". I'm not really  cut out  for camping outdoors. I'm allergic to mosquito bites. We've got our work  cut out  for us. e.g. I'm not cut out to build the thermae for the emperor.

the visitors left with "heads held high".

adj.  Meant or expressed ironically or facetiously. When someone speaks tongue-in-cheek, that means they're joking and kidding. e.g. He always speaks tongue-in-cheek, he never takes things seriously.

e.g.  We really need the log files quickly to head this off .   head off:   to prevent or forestall (something that is likely to happen) head off  - prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

(idiom) only if absolutely necessary Yes, that will work  in a pinch , but it’s better to... In a pinch , you can use ketchup, but it’s better to use fresh tomatoes.

is a  catchphrase  written by  Charles B. Pierce  and spoken by the character  Harry Callahan  from the 1983 film  Sudden Impact . Usage notes: used as a humorous way to show that the person you are speaking to knows it would be a big mistake to  make your day